Farm Bureau applauds

House action on energy security

Passage by the House on Thursday (Feb. 16) of a bill to increase domestic energy supplies is being applauded by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

The bill includes development of a vast new source in the oil shale deposits of the American West and helps provide the type of energy solutions America needs, according to the AFBF.

In a letter to the House prior to passage, AFBF President Bob Stallman explained that increasing U.S. energy security is an important issue for America's farmers and ranchers

"Farm Bureau believes finding comprehensive energy solutions can only strengthen American security while helping agriculture's long-term economic health," Stallman said.

The bill, as approved by the House, would end bureaucratic delays facing development of oil shale resources and direct the Interior Department to move ahead with a leasing program.

It also allows for the development and recovery of new energy resources in the Outer Continental Shelf, and will open less than 3 percent of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to responsible energy development, Stallman said.

"We support the development of a comprehensive national energy policy that provides for the domestic production of oil and gas, biofuels and coal, as well as increased conservation and investment, research and production of alternative and renewable sources of energy," the organization said.